The Monterey Bay Greenhouse Growers invite the public to enjoy the beauty that lies behind the glistening glass of their greenhouse windows. For one day only, Saturday June 21st, 2014, five major growers will open their doors to show off their extraordinary array of colorful flowers including gerberas, orchids, and roses as well as succulents, edible herbs and plants grown for commercial purposes.

Guided tours led by the growers themselves will include information on harvesting, fertilizing, pest control, and propagation. Comfortable shoes and layered clothing are recommended as many of the tours will involve walking through greenhouses or growing areas and varying temperatures. Participating growers are located in Aromas, Castroville and Watsonville, about halfway between Monterey and Santa Cruz.

Where to Stay?Freedom Rose House, the bed & breakfast home of Pam and Steve Dunlap, offers just four comfortable bedrooms in a restored 1880’s-era era Queen Anne Victorian home in Watsonville. A unique feature of the accommodations is the opportunity to explore the owner’s collection of more than 10,000 cookbooks. Watsonville offers several chain motels; the numerous hostelries of Santa Cruz and the Monterey Peninsula lie to north and south respectively.

California Gardens Mobile AppCalifornia Gardens is mobile travel app, free from iTunes, that describes over 200 gardens that are open to the public on a scheduled or occasional basis. It includes arboretums, botanical gardens, public parks, college campuses, hotels, nurseries, wineries, and private estates that showcase the extraordinary variety of plants that thrive across the diverse climate regions of the Golden State. Download California Gardens from the Apple iTunes App Store (free) or Google play for Android.

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Published numerous articles in newspapers, magazines and online media on visiting California public gardens since 1998.
Authored and photographed a souvenir and guide to "Gardens by the Bay: Exploring Public Gardens of the Greater Bay Area" (2003)
Authored and photographed mobile travel guide "California Gardens" available on iTunes and Android